Dallas
Texas


The Experience

Built in the early 20th century by one of Texas' wealthiest men, cotton magnate Sheppard King, the justifiably self-proclaimed mansion still has original stained-glass windows imported from England, a 16th-century stone mantel from Germany and cathedral doors from Spain around its marble rotunda. Even after its transformation to hotel in 1981, it still evokes the formality that befits a baron, which, to be honest, can be a bit too much European formality for the Texas heat. Still, the place does come with a pedigree: Its guest list includes FDR (when it was still a private home) as well as Frank and Sammy. And, in a prime example of reality interlacing with fantasy, Dallas star Victoria Principal held her wedding here.

The Rooms

With the smallest guest accommodations a pleasantly ample 450 square feet, this could be one of those situations in which there isn't a bad room in the house. But there are -- these rooms don't look out at the outside world, so be sure to upgrade. High-thread-count linens, a muted palette of reds and browns, and dark-stained wood furniture and floral fabrics may fit the European grandeur, but it isn't exactly cutting-edge, and neither are the bathrooms, with pink marble, gold fixtures and signature amenity line Lady Primrose. It's all a bit old-fashioned -- if that's your style, you'll be right at home.

The Service

When was the last time the car valet remembered exactly who you were, which car you were driving and nearly anticipated your arrival? The hotel's compact size and a two-to-one staff-to-guest ratio help the exemplary efficiency and attention level here. Even with a full house, you'll never feel crowded.

The Highlights

One of the best meals in the city -- some say the country -- is available downstairs in the Dining Room. Dean Fearing, considered to be the granddaddy of nouveau Southwest cuisine, developed the cuisine here in his 21 years (he departed in September 2006). Diners can now look forward to a change in the guard, courtesy of new executive chef John Tesor, fresh from RM seafood restaurant in Las Vegas. Whatever the cuisine, ask for a seat near the romantic fireplace in the Dining Room, stopping first in the bar -- a lurid 18th-century fantasy with fabric walls and hunt paintings. Another tradition here in Dallas is shopping, but Mansion guests don't drive themselves: They book a pickup and drop-off in the hotel Lexus, complimentary within a five-mile radius. Better yet, have one of the hotel's butlers make the arrangements.

-- Andrea Bennett

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